Apparatus and methods for closing vessels

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are provided for closing a tubular structure within a patient&#39;s body. The apparatus includes a needle including a proximal end including a hub, a distal end including a sharpened distal tip, a lumen having an oblong cross-section extending proximally from the distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, and a clip deliverable from the lumen. The clip is compressible between a relaxed state in which a plurality of tines of the clip are shaped to engage and close a tubular structure within a patient&#39;s body, and a stressed state in which the tines are compressed to allow the clip to be loaded into the. The apparatus may also include a pusher member for deploying the clip from the distal tip of the needle such that the tines engage and close a tubular structure through which the tubular member is directed.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation of co-pending InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2013/052432, filed Jul. 27, 2013, which claims thebenefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/676,551, filed Jul.27, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods forclosing blood vessels or other tubular structures within a patient'sbody. More specifically, the present invention is directed to apparatusand methods for closing veins or other tubular structures in a patient'sbody, e.g., by delivering one or more clips into, through, and/or aroundthe tubular structure.

BACKGROUND

Mild vein-related abnormalities are common and affect most adults. Moresevere disease with visible varicose veins occurs in up to forty percent(40%) of men and women. Chronic venous insufficiency occurs in about twopercent (2%) of the U.S. population and can cause swelling, stasispigmentation, scarring of the skin and underlying tissues, and skinulceration in advanced cases. The incidence of all venous diseaseincreases with advancing age.

The causes of varicose vein disease are varied. A family history iscommon and a genetic predisposition may play a factor. Obstruction ofthe main draining veins of the leg due to blood clots, called deepvenous thrombosis or DVT, and loss of valve function or “valvularincompetence” are the main causes of varicose veins and most forms ofvenous insufficiency.

Patients with advanced disease are often unable to continue theircustomary employment, and they may become temporarily or permanentlydisabled from lack of mobility. The economic and psychological effectscan be profound for these patients.

Patients who have varicose veins or more serious forms of venousinsufficiency caused by valvular incompetence of the saphenous vein canbe managed in a variety of ways. The first line of therapy in most casesis compression therapy and leg elevation. These noninvasive measures canhelp alleviate symptoms and heal ulcers in some instances. Oftentimes,patients are unable to tolerate tight compression garments and they maynot be able to elevate the extremity for an adequate time to relievesymptoms and promote ulcer healing because of work requirements and/orother lifestyle issues.

Invasive treatment methods for disease stemming from valvularincompetence of the saphenous vein include: 1) vein stripping, 2)high-ligation, 3) foam sclerotherapy, and 4) endovenous ablation. Veinstripping and high-ligation have fallen out of favor because strippingis traumatic and high-ligation is associated with a high recurrencerate. Foam sclerotherapy has not had widespread adoption and is known tocause visual disturbance (scotoma), migraine-like headache, cough, andneurologic deficit (usually transient) in less than two percent (2%) ofcases.

In recent years, endovenous ablation using radiofrequency energy orlaser energy has become the preferred treatment for patients who sufferfrom venous disease due to axial reflux in the long and short saphenousveins and in some cases involving reflux in the perforating veins.However, endovenous ablation requires tumescent anesthesia and istypically done in an ambulatory surgery setting. Even though theprocedure is minimally invasive, some patients experience significantbruising and post-procedural pain, which may last for more than a week.Endovenous ablation involves destruction of the vein from the inside outalong the full length of the treatment segment. The tissue destructioncauses pain in the soft tissues after the anesthetic wears off. Somepatients require prescription pain medications and often several daysoff work until the pain has resolved.

Therefore, there is a need for improved systems for treating venousinsufficiency caused by valvular incompetence of the saphenous vein.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods forclosing a tubular structure, e.g., a blood vessel, such as a saphenousor other vein, to eliminate flow of fluid through the lumen of thetubular structure. In addition, the present invention is directed toapparatus and methods for delivering one or more clips into a patient'sbody, e.g., percutaneously, to close tubular structures.

The description herein focuses on using various apparatus and methods toclose a saphenous vein, e.g., for treatment of valvular incompetence. Itwill be appreciated that other tubular structures may also be closedusing the apparatus and methods described herein. For example, otherstructures that may be treated include arteries, biliary tubes,bronchial or other airway tubes, or other anatomical structures,including prosthetic tubular grafts, e.g., as are used in vascularbypass operations.

One common method for treating saphenous vein reflux, e.g., caused byvalvular incompetence at the region of the saphenofemoral junction,where the long saphenous vein proximally empties into the common femoralvein in the groin area, is called “high-ligation” of the saphenous vein.This open surgical procedure was performed routinely in years past.However, clinical studies have found a recurrence rate as high as thirtysix percent (36%) within about four (4) years. Other existing techniqueshave demonstrated a lower recurrence rate and have been adopted asbetter long-term solutions.

Saphenous vein stripping was most often used prior to the advent of theendovenous ablation techniques largely used today. The advantages ofvein stripping over high-ligation were related to the ligation beingperformed at one location near the saphenofemoral junction. During theprocedure, the saphenous vein is exposed through a short proximalincision and the vein is simply ligated to close off its lumen toprevent blood flow through it. The high recurrence rate oftentimes isdue to incompetent proximal valves in the tributary veins that draininto the long saphenous vein distal to the high ligation point. Overtime, these veins can develop valvular incompetence leading to the sameor worse symptoms than before the high-ligation procedure. By removingthe saphenous vein in the thigh through stripping, recurrence is lesslikely.

The apparatus and methods described herein may combine one or more ofthe advantages of the various techniques described above and minimizedisadvantages by enabling a percutaneous approach that requires only aminimal amount of local anesthesia. For example, the saphenous vein maybe segmentally closed at one or more locations in the region of thethigh, e.g., at the groin, mid-thigh, and distal thigh, so that thedisadvantage of the high-ligation procedure, namely a high recurrencerate, may be avoided. The percutaneous nature of the apparatus andmethods herein may have advantages over vein stripping procedures, e.g.,because of their less invasive nature. In addition, the tissuedestruction caused by endovenous ablation with radiofrequency or laserenergy along the full length of the treated segment of the saphenousvein is also avoided.

In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus for closing a tubularstructure is provided that includes one or more of the followingcomponents:

1) an ultrasound imaging machine with an external probe, which may beplaced on the patient's skin directly over or very close to a desiredtreatment site. A needle guide may be attached to the ultrasound probeto enable controlled insertion of a needle tip through the saphenousvein under direct visual control;

2) a clip including shape memory metal and proximal and distal tines orextensions, which may be deployed to compress against the outer wall ofthe vein, closing it off;

3) a clip that is preloaded in a needle deployment apparatus;

4) a needle deployment apparatus including a needle having an ovalshaped, rectangular, or other oblong lumen or slot within which a clipmay reside such that the clip may be deployed through a distal end ofthe needle;

5) a needle hub having one or more markings, which may enabledirectional control of the clip before and during deployment;

6) a pusher component, e.g., within the needle slot, e.g., having anoval shaped, rectangular, or other oblong cross-section, e.g., similarto the needle lumen or slot;

7) a spacer or “stop” initially located between a proximal hub of theneedle and a proximal end of the pusher component, e.g., to enablesequential deployment of one or more clips;

8) a track to control or limit movement of the pusher member and needleto allow multiple stages of deployment of the clip;

9) an outlet port adjacent a distal tip of the needle and a source offluid communicating with the outlet port to deliver fluid, e.g.,epinephrine, around a vessel being occluded; and

10) an electrocautery needle including one or more electrodes coupled toan electrical energy source to deliver electrical energy before, during,or after deployment of a clip from the needle to enhance occlusion of avessel.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for closing a tubularstructure within a patient's body is provided that includes thefollowing sequence of steps (in this sequential order or other order,optionally with some steps omitted, as desired):

1) a target vein may be imaged, e.g., with ultrasound, and a locationfor vein closure may be identified;

2) the patient's skin may be marked above site(s) of planned closure;

3) the skin may be prepped and/or anesthetized at the planned puncturesite(s);

4) the vein may be imaged in cross-sectional and/or longitudinal view,e.g., using ultrasound;

5) a tip of a delivery needle may be passed into-and-through the vein,e.g., using an ultrasound transducer with a needle guide or otherwiseusing ultrasound visual control;

6) fluid may be injected around the vein, e.g., via the delivery needle.In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid may include epinephrine and/orother compound, e.g., to induce vasospasm and/or cause the vein tocontract around the needle after it has pierced the vein, e.g., tocreate a smaller target for closure;

7) the tip of the needle may be positioned posterior to the inner wallof the vein, e.g., one or two millimeters (1-2 mm) deep beyond the innerwall of the vein;

8) the orientation of an occlusion clip carried within the needle may bechecked, e.g., using one or more markers on a proximal hub of theneedle, e.g., to align the marker substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the vein and/or align tines of the occlusion clipsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vein;

9) the occlusion clip may be deployed from a distal end of the needle,e.g., using a pusher member within the needle, such that the occlusionclip closes around the vein; for example, a distal portion of the clip,e.g., distal tines or extensions, may initially be deployed by advancingthe pusher member;

10) a “stop” may then be removed while the needle is held substantiallystationary, e.g., with the distal tip held steadily in place relative tothe vein;

11) the needle may be withdrawn while the pusher member remainssubstantially stationary to deploy a central portion of the occlusionclip and then a proximal portion, e.g., proximal tines or extensions;

12) the needle and pusher member may be removed, leaving the occlusionclip in place, e.g., surrounding, capturing and/or otherwise closing thevein at the closure site;

13) closure of the vein may be checked, e.g., using ultrasound imagingand/or Doppler evaluation, to ensure occlusion of vein; the process,e.g., steps 1) to 12) may be repeated, if desired, at one or moreadditional closure sites;

14) a dressing may be applied at the puncture site(s); and

15) a compression garment may be placed on the patient's leg, e.g., overthe dressing and/or otherwise over the puncture site(s).

One or more occlusion clips may be used at a single location or multiplelocations to effectively close the vein of interest.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided forclosing a tubular structure within a patient's body that includes aneedle or other tubular member comprising a proximal end including ahub, a distal end including a sharpened distal tip, a lumen having anoblong cross-section extending proximally from the distal end, anddefining a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends; aclip compressible between a relaxed state in which a plurality of tinesof the clip are shaped to engage and close a tubular structure within apatient's body, and a stressed state in which the tines are compressedto allow the clip to be loaded into the lumen in a predeterminedorientation about the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also includea pusher member comprising a proximal end and a distal end sized foradvancement within the lumen for deploying the clip from the distal tipof the needle such that the tines engage and close a tubular structurethrough which the tubular member is directed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tines of the clip include apair of distal tines extending from a first end of a central region ofthe clip and a pair of proximal tines extend from a second end of thecentral region. The distal tines, proximal tines, and the central regionmay define a plane in the relaxed configuration, and the distal andproximal tines may remain substantially within the plane when the tinesare compressed into the stressed state, or may extend out of the planewhen the tines are compressed into the stressed state.

In another exemplary embodiment, the distal tines may have substantiallythe same length as the proximal tines. Alternatively, the distal tinesmay be substantially shorter than the proximal tines.

In yet another exemplary embodiments, the distal tines may extend fromthe central region to define opposing hook shapes in the relaxed stateand the proximal tines may extend from the central region such that thetines at least partially surround the central region and the distaltines within the plane in the relaxed state. In this embodiment, theproximal tines may be substantially straightened such that the proximaltines are axially aligned with the central region in the stressed stateand/or the distal tines may be substantially straightened such that thedistal tines are axially aligned with the central region in the stressedstate.

Optionally, the clip may include an eyelet or other aperture forreceiving a wire or other filament, e.g., to facilitate loading the clipinto the lumen of the tubular device.

In addition or alternatively, the apparatus may include a source offluid communicating with a outlet in the distal tip to deliver fluid,e.g., including epinephrine, into tissue adjacent or around the targettubular structure. For example, the source of fluid may be coupled to aport on the hub for delivering the fluid through the lumen around theclip and out the distal tip. Alternatively, the port on the hub maycommunicated with a separate infusion lumen and the distal tip mayinclude one or more outlet ports for delivering the fluid adjacent thedistal tip.

In accordance with still another embodiment, an apparatus is providedfor closing a tubular structure within a patient's body that includes atubular member comprising a proximal end including a hub, a distal endincluding a sharpened distal tip such that the tubular member may bedirected into-and-through a tubular structure within a patient's body, alumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and defining alongitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends; and a clipcomprising a proximal set of tines or extensions and a distal set oftines or extensions, the clip compressible between a relaxed state inwhich the tines or extensions are shaped to engage and close a tubularstructure within a patient's body, and a stressed state in which thetines or extensions are compressed to allow the clip to be loaded intothe lumen in a predetermined orientation about the longitudinal axis.The apparatus may also include a pusher member comprising a proximal endand a distal end sized for advancement within the lumen for deployingthe clip from the distal tip of the tubular member such that the distaltines or extensions are deployed initially to partially engage a tubularstructure and the proximal tines or extensions are deployed subsequentlyto further engage the tubular structure, the clip resiliently returningtowards the relaxed state to substantially close the tubular structurethrough which the tubular member is directed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method is provided forclosing a tubular structure within a patient's body, e.g., a vein, thatincludes inserting a distal tip of a delivery device into the patient'sbody into-and-through the tubular structure, the delivery devicecarrying a clip including a set of distal tines and a set of proximaltines in a stressed state; partially deploying the clip such that a setof distal tines of the clip extend from the distal tip beyond thetubular structure and elastically deform towards a relaxed state;partially withdrawing the delivery device to engage the tubularstructure with the distal tines; and fully deploying the clip such thata set of proximal tines are released from the distal tip and elasticallydeform towards a relaxed state, thereby occluding the tubular structure.

Optionally, fluid may be injected adjacent and/or around the tubularstructure, e.g., via the delivery device, to cause the tubular structureto contract around the distal tip. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluidmay include epinephrine, e.g., to induce smooth muscle contractionand/or induce vasospasm in the tubular structure, which may facilitatecapturing, engaging, compressing, and/or otherwise occluding the tubularstructure.

In another embodiment, electrical energy may be delivered to the tubularstructure, e.g., via one or more electrodes on or adjacent the distaltip of the delivery device to cauterize and/or cause contraction of thetubular structure.

In yet another embodiment, an ultrasound transducer may be placedagainst the patient's skin above the tubular structure, and the deliverydevice may be inserted into the skin through a needle guide coupled tothe transducer. Optionally, the needle guide may include a vibrator tovibrate a shaft of the delivery device, e.g., to enhance imaging usingthe transducer.

The following is a list of one or more advantages that may be achievedusing the apparatus and methods described herein, e.g., as compared toendovenous laser, radiofrequency ablation technologies, and othermethods that destroy the vein by applying chemicals or applying otherforms of energy along the full length of the inside of the vein:

1) No open surgery is involved;

2) There is no need for a laser or radio frequency generator or console;

3) There is no burning of the vein or boiling of blood;

4) No tumescent anesthesia is required;

5) The procedure may be faster than radio frequency ablation or laser;

6) There is little risk of systemic embolization of sclerotherapy agent;

7) The risk of recanalization of the vein is lower than with ablationprocedures;

8) The procedure may be less painful than laser or radio frequencyablation;

9) The procedure may be less expensive than laser or radio frequencyablation; and

10) Post-procedural inflammation may be minimized as trauma is isolatedto the site(s) of closure instead of affecting the full length of thevein, e.g., as in the case of laser or radio frequency ablation.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom consideration of the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the Figures ofthe drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatusfor delivering an occlusion clip from a needle.

FIG. 1A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a needle of theapparatus of FIG. 1, taken along line 1A-1A.

FIGS. 2A-2C are side views of exemplary embodiments of an occlusion clipthat may be delivered using the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3C are front views of additional embodiments of occlusion clipsthat may be used in the apparatus and methods herein.

FIGS. 4A-4C show an exemplary method for compressing the occlusion clipof FIG. 2A from a relaxed or expanded state (FIG. 4A) to a compressedstate for loading into a delivery device (FIG. 4C), such as theapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-5E are cross-sectional views of a patient's body, showing anexemplary method for closing a blood vessel using the apparatus of FIG.1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and front views, respectively, ofanother embodiment of an occlusion clip.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective and front views, respectively, of yetanother embodiment of an occlusion clip.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the occlusion clip of FIGS. 7A and 7Bpartially deployed from a delivery device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of anapparatus for delivering occlusion clips.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus, similar to that shown inFIG. 9, being loaded into a tool, such as a pair of laparoscopicscissors.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a distal portion of a coaxial systemincluding a relatively small needle, e.g., similar to any of theapparatus described herein positioned within a larger needle.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of another exemplary embodiment of anapparatus for delivering one or more occlusion clips, including a sideport, outlet port, and a source of fluid for delivering the fluid viathe outlet port around a vessel being occluded.

FIG. 13 is a side view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a needleapparatus for delivering one or more occlusion clips including anelectrocautery generator coupled to the needle.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of an ultrasound imaging systemincluding a vibrator that may be coupled to a needle apparatus, such asthose described herein, to enhance imaging the apparatus during use.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are top and side views of yet another exemplaryembodiment of an occlusion clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of anapparatus 8 for delivering a clip 20 into a patient's body, e.g., toclose a tubular structure, such as a saphenous vein or other bloodvessel. Generally, the apparatus 8 includes a needle or other tubularmember 10, one or more clips 20, and a pusher member 30. Optionally, theapparatus 8 may be part of a system, e.g., including an ultrasoundtransducer and/or other imaging device, a needle guide, and the like(not shown).

The needle 10 generally includes a proximal end 12 with a hub 50, adistal end 14, and a lumen or slot 16 extending between the proximal anddistal ends 12, 14, thereby defining a longitudinal axis 18. One or moreclips 20 may be loaded within the lumen 16, and the pusher member 30 maybe disposed at least partially within the lumen 16. The distal end 14 ofthe needle 10 may terminate in a beveled, pointed, or other sharpeneddistal tip 15, e.g., to facilitate percutaneous introduction of theneedle 10 directly through tissue to a target location within apatient's body, as described further below.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the lumen 16 may have an oval shape, a rectangularshape, or other oblong shape, e.g., including a major axis “M” and asmaller minor axis “m,” e.g., such that the clip(s) 20 may be loadedinto the lumen 16 in a predetermined rotational orientation about thelongitudinal axis 18 of the needle 10. As used herein, “oblong” refersto any cross-sectional shape that includes a major axis that is largerthan a minor axis and is configured to slidably receive one or moreclips 20 therein while constraining the clip(s) 20 in a stressedconfiguration, as described further below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a single clip 20 (which may be any ofthe embodiments shown and described herein) is provided within the lumen16. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a needle 10′ may be provided thatincludes a plurality of clips 20 within the lumen 16,′ e.g., spacedapart axially from one another, such that multiple clips 20 may bedeployed sequentially from the needle 16.′ Otherwise, the needle 10′ maybe constructed similar to the needle 10 (like elements labeledsimilarly, except with a “′”) and/or other embodiments herein.

Turning to FIG. 2A, the clip(s) 20 generally includes one or more tinesor extensions 22, 24 thereon for engaging tissue, e.g., a wall of a veinor other tubular structure within a patient's body. For example, asshown, the clip 20 may include a distal set of tines 22 and a proximalset of tines 24, e.g., extending in opposite directions from a centralregion 26 of the clip 20. As shown, the clip 20 may generally define aplane, i.e., wherein the tines 22, 24 and central region 26 all liewithin the same plane, e.g., perpendicular to the thickness of the clip20.

The tines 22, 24 may be biased to a curved or other shape, e.g., apartial loop defined by each set of opposing tines 22, 24 within theplane, such that tips 23, 25 of the respective sets of tines 22, 24(including one distal tine 22 and one opposing proximal tine 24) arelocated adjacent one another and are spaced apart as shown in FIG. 3A.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, a clip 20′ may be provided in whicheach set of tines 22,′ 24′ overlap (thereby extending slightly out ofthe plane, e.g., at the tips 23,′ 25′), or as shown in FIG. 2C, a clip20″ may be provided in which the tips 23,″ 25″ of each set of tines 22,″24″ contact one another. In any of the embodiments herein, the tips 23,25 of the tines or extensions 22, 24 may be sharpened, beveled, barbed,or otherwise configured to facilitate introduction through tissue and/orengagement with the wall of the tubular structure being closed, or mayhave rounded, bulbous, or other atraumatic shapes, e.g., to allowengagement without penetrating or tearing tissue.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, each opposing set of tines 22,24 of theclip 20 defines a generally “C” shape in a relaxed state. In addition,as shown, the distal tines 22 and the proximal tines 24 have the samelength, curvature, and/or other similar geometric shapes. However, inalternative embodiments, the pairs of tines 22, 24 may have differentshapes and/or lengths than one another.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a clip 120 is shown that includes asubstantially straight central region 126, and a pair of distal tines122 that extend from a first end of the central region 126 to define “J”or hook shapes. A pair of proximal tines 124 extend from a second end ofthe central region 126 to define a generally “C” shape that at leastpartially surrounds the central region and the distal tines 122 within asingle plane. Thus, in this embodiment, the distal tines 122 may berelatively short and the proximal tines 124 may be relatively long, butwith the tines of each pair (i.e., both distal tines 122 and bothproximal tines 124) having substantially the same length andsubstantially similar shapes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, theproximal tines 124 may have sufficient length that the tips 125 thereoftouch or are disposed adjacent but slightly separate from one another.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the clip 120′ may include proximaltines 124′ that together are substantially longer than the periphery ofthe central region 126′ and distal tines 122′ such that the tines 124′overlap one another within the plane, e.g., with the tip 125′ of onetine 124′ closer to the central region 126′ than the other tip 125.′ Ina further alternative, as shown in FIG. 3C, the clip 120″ may includeproximal tines 124″ that surround the central region 126″ and distaltines 122″ such that the tips 125″ overlap outside the plane.

With reference to the clip 122 of FIG. 3A (but generally applicable tothe other clips herein), in exemplary embodiments, the central region126 may have a length between about one and four millimeters (1-4 mm),the distal tines 122 may have a length between about two and eightmillimeters (2-8 mm), and the proximal tines 124 may have a lengthbetween about four and twelve millimeters (4-12 mm). For example, theproximal tines 124 may have sufficient length to at least partially orentirely surround the outer wall of a vessel being occluded, e.g., avein having a diameter between about four and fifteen millimeters (4-15mm).

Returning to FIG. 2A (but applicable to other the clips herein), theclip 20 may be formed from an elastic or superelastic material, e.g.,such that the tines 22, 24 may be compressed to facilitate loading theclip(s) 20 into the needle 10 and resiliently expandable to surround,penetrate, and/or otherwise engage a wall of a tubular structure and/orsurrounding tissue to close the tubular structure. Alternatively, theclip(s) 20 may be formed from shape memory material, e.g., that may beloaded into the needle 10 in a first state, e.g., a martensitic state ata first temperature below body temperature, and may be deployable fromthe needle 10 in a second state, e.g., an austenitic state at bodytemperature in which the clip(s) 20 may remember an engagement shape forclosing the tubular structure.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a method is shown for compressingthe clip 20 of FIG. 2A, e.g., to allow loading into a delivery device,such as the lumen 16 of the needle 10 shown in FIG. 1. Initially, theclip 20 may be formed and provided in a relaxed state (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4A) wherein the pairs of tines 22, 24 curve to an openconfiguration. The distal pair of tines 22 may be compressed togetherand the proximal pair of tines 24 may be compressed together, e.g., asshown in FIG. 4B, until the tines 22, 24 are pressed adjacent oneanother in a substantially linear configuration aligned with the centralregion 26 to define a compressed or stressed state, as shown in FIG. 4C.In the substantially linear configuration or compressed state, the clip20 may be loaded into the lumen 16 of the needle 10 with the distaltines 22 closer to the distal tip 15 than the proximal tines 24, asdescribed elsewhere herein.

The thickness of the clip 20 may be slightly less than the minordimension “m” of the lumen 16, and the width of the tines 22, 24 withinthe plane may be slightly less than the major axis “M.” Given therelative dimensions, the clip 20 may be slidably received in the lumen16 with the tines 22, 24 maintained in the substantially linearconfiguration by the walls of the lumen 16. Optionally, the lumen 16 mayprovide sufficient clearance around the clip 20 to allow fluid to bedelivered through the lumen 16 with the clip 20, or the lumen 16 includea longitudinal groove (not shown), e.g., in a wall of the majordimension to provide a path for fluid to travel through the lumen 16.

Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the proximal tines124 may be unwrapped from around the central portion 126 andsubstantially straightened within the plane, e.g., such that theproximal tines 124 are aligned axially with the central region 126. Thedistal tines 122 may then be substantially straightened opposite theproximal tines 124, e.g., such that the distal tines 122 are alignedaxially with the central region 126 and the straightened proximal tines124. Thus, the clip 120 may be loaded into a needle, e.g., into thelumen 16 of the needle 10 of FIG. 1 in a substantially linearconfiguration, similar to that shown in FIG. 4C. Similarly, the clips120,′ 120″ shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C may be elastically deformed into thesubstantially straightened configuration and loaded into the lumen 16 ofthe needle 10.

Returning to FIG. 1, the needle may include a substantially rigidtubular body 10, e.g., a section of hypotube and the like, with thedistal end 14 sharpened to a pointed or beveled tip 15. The hub 50 mayhave a size and/or shape to allow the needle 10 to be held and/ormanipulated during use. The hub 50 may be attached to the proximal end12 of the tubular body 10, e.g., by one or more of bonding withadhesive, sonic welding, interference fit, cooperating connectors (notshown), and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hub 50 may include one or more markers and/orother features 53 located about the periphery of the hub 50, e.g., toprovide a visual indication of the orientation of the clip(s) 20 withinthe lumen 16 of the needle 10. For example, as shown, the hub 50 mayhave an oblong shape, e.g., such that a major axis of the hub 50 isninety degrees offset from the major dimension of the lumen 16. Inaddition or alternatively, one or more colored or other markers orelements (not shown) may be provided on the hub 50, e.g., on oppositesides of the hub 50 aligned with the minor dimension of the lumen 16.

The clip(s) 20 may be loaded into the lumen 16 of the needle 10 suchthat the opposing pairs of tines or extensions 22, 24 are oriented alongthe major dimension of the lumen 16. The oblong shape of the hub 50and/or markers on the hub 50 may identify the relative rotationalorientation of the lumen 16, thereby indicating the plane or directionin which the tines 22, 24 will expand as the clip 20 is deployed fromthe needle 10, as described further elsewhere herein.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the pusher member 30 includes aproximal end 32, e.g., including a plunger stem 33, and a distal end 34disposed within the needle lumen 16 adjacent the clip(s) 20. At leastthe distal end 34 of the pusher member 30 has an oblong cross-section,e.g., having major and minor dimensions similar to and/or smaller thanthe lumen 16, such that at least the distal end 34 of the pusher member30 is slidable axially relative to the needle 10, e.g., between aproximal or first position, as shown in FIG. 1, and one or more distalpositions, e.g., second and third positions, as described further below.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 8 may include a removablestop 40, e.g., disposed around the proximal end 32 of the pusher member30, e.g., adjacent the hub 50. The stop 40 may be a “C” shaped collar orother element that extends at least partially around the pusher member30 and has a predetermined length to limit advancement of the pushermember 30. In the proximal or first position shown in FIG. 1, the clip20 may be disposed entirely within the lumen 16, e.g., such that distaltines 22 of the clip 20 are disposed within and/or adjacent the distaltip 15 of the needle 10.

The pusher member 30 may be advanceable to a second or distal position,e.g., to deploy the distal tines 22 of the clip 20 from the lumen 16beyond the distal tip 15 while the proximal tines 24 remain within thelumen 16. For example, the pusher member 30 may be advanced until theplunger stem 33 on the pusher member 30 abuts the stop 40, therebypreventing further advancement of the pusher member 30. The length ofthe stop 40 may correspond to deploying a distal portion of the clip 20,e.g., the distal tines 22 beyond the distal tip 15, such that the distaltines 22 resiliently return at least partially towards the relaxedstate.

The stop 40 may be removable from around the pusher member 30, whereuponthe needle 10 may be retracted proximally, e.g., equivalent to advancingthe pusher member 30, until the pusher member 30 is in a third positionrelative to the needle 10, e.g., in which the entire clip 20 is deployedfrom the lumen 16 beyond the distal tip 15 of the needle 10. As theproximal tines 24 are deployed from the lumen 16, they may alsoresiliently return towards the relaxed state, thereby surrounding orotherwise engaging the tubular structure to be closed.

Alternatively, the hub 50 and/or pusher member 30 may include acooperating track (not shown) instead of the stop 40 to control or limitmovement of the pusher member 30 relative to the needle 10. For example,the track may include a first axial section allowing the pusher member30 to be advanced axially from the first position to the secondposition, thereby partially deploying the clip 20, e.g., the distaltines 22. When desired to fully deploy the clip 20, the pusher member 30may then be partially rotated, e.g., to move the pusher member 30 alonga circumference (non-axial) section of the track, and then advancedaxially along a third axial section to direct the pusher member 30 andneedle 10 from the second position to the third position. Optionally, inthis alternative, the hub 50 and/or pusher member 30 may include one ormore markers (not shown) that may provide visual confirmation when thepusher member 30 is properly aligned along the track, e.g., sufficientlyrotated to allow movement between the second and third positions.

With additional reference to FIGS. 5A-5E, the steps of an exemplarymethod for using the apparatus 8 are labeled 1 through 5 of FIG. 1:

Initially, a location 92 along a vein or other body lumen 90 may beidentified as a target location for delivering a clip 20, e.g., asaphenous vein experiencing valvular incompetence and the like.Optionally, a mark (not shown) may be applied to the patient's skinabove the target location, e.g., to identify a point of entry for theneedle 10. A local anesthetic may be injected or otherwise delivered tothe skin and/or underlying tissue, e.g., between the skin and veinand/or around the vein, optionally, using the needle 10, as describedelsewhere herein.

As labeled in step #1, the needle 10 may be inserted through the skinand the point of entry and passed into-and-through the vein 90, e.g.,using ultrasound visual control, as shown in FIG. 5A. The distal tip 15of the needle 19 may be positioned beyond the posterior or inner wall 94of the vein 90, e.g., about one or two millimeters (1-2 mm) deep beyondthe posterior wall 92 of the vein 90.

Optionally, fluid may be delivered through the needle 10, e.g., throughthe lumen 16 and out the distal tip 15, into the region adjacent thevein 90. As described elsewhere herein, the lumen 16 may be sized toaccommodate injecting fluid around the clip(s) 20 therein and throughthe outlet of the distal tip 15. Alternatively, the needle 10 mayinclude a separate lumen (not shown) communicating between the hub 50and a side port (not shown) adjacent the distal tip 15.

An exemplary embodiment of such a needle 310 is shown in FIGS. 12A and12B in which the needle 310 includes a hub 350 with a side port 352,e.g., including a luer fitting and the like (also not shown) forconnecting a source of fluid 354 to the hub 350. The side port 352 maycommunicate with the clip lumen or a dedicated fluid lumen (not shown),e.g., extending to the distal tip 315 or a separate outlet port (notshown) adjacent the distal tip 315. Alternatively, a side port adapterincluding a side port (not shown) may be coupled over the proximal end312 of the needle 310, and the pusher member 330 may be loaded into apassage through the side port adapter (also not shown) until the distalend 34 is received within the lumen 16.

The source of fluid 354 may include an anesthetic, e.g., that may beinjected into the patient's skin (not shown) during introduction of theneedle 310, or into tissue adjacent or around the vessel 90 beingoccluded. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid may include epinephrine,which may be injected around the vein 90 to induce small musclecontraction or vasospasm, e.g., causing the vein 90 to contract aroundthe needle 10 after being pierced through the vein 90. For example, aten to twenty milliliter (10-20 mL) bolus 98 (as shown in FIGS. 12A and12B) of an anesthetic solution of one percent Lidocaine, and epinephrinein 1:100,000 concentration may be injected. If the vein 90 iscontracted, it may provide a smaller target for the clip 20 to occlude,e.g., facilitating tines of the clip 20 surrounding, compressing, and/orotherwise engaging the wall of the vein 90. The fluid may also create avolume around the vein 90, e.g., directing other tissue away from theouter wall of the vein 90 or otherwise reducing friction or otherresistance, which may facilitate deployment of the clip 20 around thevein 90.

Returning to FIG. 1, the orientation of the occlusion clip 20 may bechecked, e.g., using one or more markers on the needle hub 50. Forexample, the needle 10 may be rotated about its longitudinal axis suchthat the wider dimension of the oblong hub 50 and/or the marker(s) onthe hub 50 are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis96 of the vein 90, e.g. as indicated at step #2. In this orientation,the tines 22, 24 of the occlusion clip 20 may be oriented across thewidth of the vein 90, e.g., with the plane of the clip 20 substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 96 of the vein 90.

The pusher member 30 may be advanced until the distal tines 22 of theocclusion clip 20 exit the distal tip 15 of the needle 10, e.g., asindicated at step #3 and shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. For example, thepusher member 30 may be advanced until the plunger stem 33 contacts thestop 40 (or, alternatively, the end of the first section of the track,not shown) in the second position, thereby preventing furtheradvancement of the pusher member 30. As this occurs, the distal tines 22may exit the distal tip 15 and curve at least partially around theposterior wall 92 of the vein 90, e.g., at least partially surroundingthe wall of the vein 90. For example, the distal tines 22 may engage theposterior wall 94 of the vein 90, e.g., to prevent migration of the clip20 during subsequent deployment and/or may partially close the vein 90.

The stop 40 may then be removed as the needle 10 is held substantiallysteadily in place, e.g., as indicated at step #4 (or, alternatively, thepusher member 30 may be rotated to align the track with the secondsection, also not shown). The needle 10 may be withdrawn as the pushermember 30 is held or otherwise remains substantially stationary, therebymoving between the second and third positions, to deploy the centralportion 26 and then the proximal tines 24 of the occlusion clip 20,e.g., as indicated at step #5. The proximal tines 24 may surround and/orcompress the wall of the vein 90, thereby closing the lumen of the vein90. The needle 10 may then be removed leaving occlusion clip 20 inplace. Optionally, the procedure may be repeated one or more times,e.g., at the same location and/or different locations along the lengthof the vein 90, to deliver multiple clips (not shown) to close the vein90.

Turning to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another exemplary embodiment of a clip 220is shown that includes a substantially straight central region 226, apair of relatively short distal tines 222 that extend from a first endof the central region 226 to define “J” or hook shapes, and a pair ofproximal tines 224 that extend from a second end of the central region226 to define a generally “C” shape that at least partially surroundsthe central region and the distal tines 122, e.g., within the sameplane. Unlike the clip 120 of FIG. 3A, the tines 222, 224 have sharpenedtips 223, 225 rather than atraumatic or rounded tips 123, 125. In anexemplary embodiment, the clip 220 may be formed by one or more of lasercutting, etching, machining, and/or otherwise forming the tines 122, 124and central region 126 of the clip 220 from a flat sheet, e.g., ofNitinol or other elastic or superelastic material.

Turning to FIGS. 7A and 7B, another exemplary embodiment of a clip 320is shown that includes a substantially straight central region 326, apair of relatively short distal tines 322 that extend from a first endof the central region 326, and a pair of proximal tines 324 that extendfrom a second end of the central region 326. Similar to otherembodiments herein, the distal tines 322 may be substantially shorterthan the proximal tines 324. The distal tines 322 extend proximallytowards the second end of the central region 326 and outwardly away fromthe central region 326, e.g., to facilitate engaging a posterior wall ofa vessel being occluded. The proximal tines 324 may curve outwardly fromthe second end of the central region 326 back towards the first end ofthe central region 326, e.g., such that the proximal tines 324 at leastpartially surround the central region 326 and/or distal tines 322.

In addition, the first end of the central region 326 may include arounded or other atraumatic tip 327, which may facilitate loading and/ordeployment of the clip 320 from a delivery device, such as the needle 10shown in FIG. 8. For example, the distal tip 327 may facilitateinitially deploying the distal tip 327 from the clip 320 from the distaltip 15 of the needle 10, e.g., to prevent snagging of the distal tip 15on tissue and/or facilitate expansion of the distal tines 322 as theyare exposed beyond the posterior wall of the vessel being occluded. Ascan be seen in FIG. 8, the distal tines 322 may be exposed andresiliently expanded beyond the vessel, whereupon the needle 10 may bepartially withdrawn to engage the distal tines 322 around the outer wallof the vessel before deploying the proximal tines 324.

The needle 10 may then be retracted further while maintaining the pushermember (not shown) substantially stationary, whereupon the proximaltines 324 may be deployed from the distal tip 15, thereby releasing thefully deployed clip 320. The proximal tines 324 may then expand aroundand engage the vessel, e.g., flattening or otherwise compressing thevessel wall inwardly, thereby occluding the vessel similar to otherembodiments herein.

Optionally, the clip 320 includes an eyelet or other aperture 328, e.g.,in the distal tip 327 of the central region 326. The eyelet 328 mayfacilitate loading the clip 320 into the needle 10. For example, a wire,thread, or other filament (not shown) may be directed through the eyelet328 and ends of the filament may be backloaded into the distal tip 15 ofthe needle 10 and through the lumen 16 (also not shown). The filamentends may be pulled from the proximal end 12 of the needle 10 to draw theclip 320 into the lumen 16, e.g., with the tines 322, 324 beingconstrained within a sleeve or other mandrel (not shown) to maintainthem in the compressed state or substantially linear configuration whilebeing loaded. Once the clip 320 is fully received within the lumen 16,e.g., with the clip distal tip 327 adjacent the needle distal tip 15,the filament may be removed, e.g., by releasing one end and pulling theother distally through the lumen 16, the eyelet 328, and proximally backthrough the lumen 16.

Turning to FIG. 10, another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 8,′similar to that shown in FIG. 9, is shown being loaded into a tool, suchas a pair of laparoscopic scissors 190. The laparoscopic scissors 190may facilitate introduction of the apparatus 8′ and/or delivery of oneor more clips 20 in cooperation with the tool 190.

Turning to FIG. 11, yet another exemplary embodiment of a coaxialapparatus or system 208 is shown that includes a relatively small needle10, e.g., similar to any of the apparatus described elsewhere herein,positioned within a larger needle 290. The larger needle 290 may have ablunt distal end 294, which will not puncture the vein or other vesselbeing occluded. The system 208 may be inserted through a skin stabincision or percutaneous cannula/port. After the larger outer needle 290has compressed or flattened the vein, e.g., monitored using externalimaging, such as real-time ultrasound imaging, the smaller inner needle10 may be advanced into-and-through the vein, e.g., through theflattened anterior and posterior walls. Once the smaller needle 10 hastraversed the vein, the clip 20 (not shown) may be partially deployed,similar to other embodiments herein. The coaxial system 208 may then bewithdrawn (while maintaining an internal pusher member substantiallystationary), thereby fully deploying the clip 20. In its fully deployedstate, the tines 22, 24 of the clip 20 traverse and close the vein.Depending on the size of the clip and the diameter of the vein, one ormore clips may be deployed for complete vein closure at multiplelocations along the length of the vein.

Turning to FIG. 13, another embodiment of an apparatus 408 is shown foroccluding a vein or other body lumen that generally includes a needle410 carrying one or more clips (not shown) and a pusher member 430 fordelivering the clip(s), generally similar to other embodiments herein.As shown, a hub 450 is provided on a distal end 412 of the needle 410that includes a side port 452 and source of fluid 454, as describedelsewhere herein.

Unlike other embodiments herein, the needle 410 includes one or moreelectrodes (not shown) on or adjacent the distal tip 415 of the needle410, and a source of electrical energy, e.g., an electrocauterygenerator (not shown), which may be coupled to the hub 450 via one ormore wires or cables 460. In an exemplary embodiment, the needle shaft410 may be insulated except for a predetermined length adjacent thedistal tip 415, which may be coupled to the generator and cable(s) 460by one or more internal wires or other conductors (not shown).Alternatively, separate electrodes may be attached around the distal end414 of the needle 410, which may be coupled to the generator via thecable(s) 460. The apparatus 408 may include a grounding pad (not shown)also coupled to the generator, which may be placed against the patient,e.g., electrically coupled to the patient's skin using known methods. Anexemplary embodiment of a generator and/or system that may be used maybe found at http://www.boviemedical.com/products_aaron950.asp, theentire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

During use, the needle 410 may be introduced through the patient's skinand penetrate through a vein 90, similar to other embodiments herein.Once in this position, the generator may be activated to deliverelectrical energy, e.g., sixty Watts (60 W) of coagulation energy, tothe electrode(s) to cauterize the vein 90 and/or otherwise contract thevein 90 around the distal end 414 of the needle 410. A clip (not shown)may then be deployed from the needle 410, e.g., similar to otherembodiments herein.

Optionally, in any of the embodiments herein, the needle apparatus maybe provided with a imaging system to provide a system for detectingand/or guiding the apparatus during use. For example, as shown in FIG.14, an ultrasound transducer 570 is shown that includes a needle guide572 for receiving a needle apparatus 10, which may be any of theembodiments herein. The needle guide 572 may include a vibrator 574,which may be coupled to the needle 10 to vibrate the needle shaft at apredetermined frequency, e.g., between about two and ten Hertz (2-10 Hz)with a velocity of around one meter per second (1.0 m/s). The frequencyapplied to the needle 10 may correspond to a frequency that enhancesdetection by the transducer 570 using various modes of the transducer570, such as motion mode, power mode, amplitude mode, continuous Dopplermode, and the like, as is known to those skilled in the art.

In an exemplary embodiment, the transducer 570 may be placed against apatient's skin and the needle 10 may be loaded through the needle guide572, e.g., similar to methods used for delivering biopsy needles. As aresult, the vibrator 574 may be coupled to the needle 10, which may beconfigured to vibrate the needle 10 as the needle 10 is penetratedthrough the skin towards a target vein or other body lumen.

Turning to FIGS. 15A and 15B, another exemplary embodiment of a clip 520is shown that may be delivered using any of the apparatus describedelsewhere herein. As shown, the clip 520 includes a wire or otherelement wound into a coil, e.g., including a plurality of windings orrevolutions, which may be biased to a closed tightly wound shape inwhich adjacent revolutions may contact one another, as shown, (or may bespaced apart by a first distance), yet may be elastically deformed tofacilitate introduction into, through, and/or around a vein or othertarget body lumen. In an exemplary embodiment, the coil 520 may bestretched axially, e.g., to space apart the revolutions (or increase thespacing to a second distance), and cork-screwed through the vein, e.g.,until at least one revolution has passed through to the posterior sideof the vein. The coil 520 may then be released, whereupon therevolutions may resiliently compress back towards one another tocompress and/or otherwise occlude the vein.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular formsor methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. An apparatus for closing a tubular structure within a patient's body,comprising: a tubular member comprising a proximal end including a hub,a distal end including a sharpened distal tip, a lumen having an oblongcross-section extending proximally from the distal end, and defining alongitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends; a clipcompressible between a relaxed state in which a plurality of tines ofthe clip are shaped to engage and close a tubular structure within apatient's body, and a stressed state in which the tines are compressedto allow the clip to be loaded into the lumen in a predeterminedorientation about the longitudinal axis; and a pusher member comprisinga proximal end and a distal end sized for advancement within the lumenfor deploying the clip from the distal tip of the needle such that thetines engage and close a tubular structure through which the tubularmember is directed.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising oneor more features on the hub to provide a visual indication of theorientation of the clip within the lumen.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the tines of the clip comprise a proximal set of tines and adistal set of tines, the tines disposed within the lumen compressedtogether in the stressed state, the pusher member movable relative tothe tubular member from a first position to a second position whereinthe distal set of tines are deployed from the lumen beyond the distaltip, the distal tines resiliently returning towards the relaxed state toat least partially engage a tubular structure through which the distalend of the tubular member is introduced.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein the tubular member is movable axially relative to the pushermember from the second position to a third position to deploy the entireclip from the lumen beyond the distal tip, the proximal tinesresiliently returning towards the relaxed state to further engage thetubular structure to close the tubular structure.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, further comprising a stop coupled between the pusher member andthe hub to limit movement of the pusher member relative to the tubularmember between the first and second positions.
 6. The apparatus of claim5, wherein the stop is removable from at least one of the pusher memberand the hub to allow movement of the tubular member relative to thepusher member from the second position to the third position.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tines comprise a pair ofdistal tines extending from a first end of a central region of the clipand a pair of proximal tines extend from a second end of the centralregion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the distal tines, proximaltines, and the central region define a plane in the relaxedconfiguration.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the distal andproximal tines remain substantially within the plane when the tines arecompressed into the stressed state.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein tips of at least one of the distal and proximal tines extend outof the plane when the tines are compressed into the stressed state. 11.(canceled)
 12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the distal tines aresubstantially shorter than the proximal tines.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the distal tines extend from the central region todefine opposing hook shapes in the relaxed state and wherein theproximal tines extend from the central region such that the tines atleast partially surround the central region and the distal tines withinthe plane in the relaxed state.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe proximal tines are substantially straightened such that the proximaltines are axially aligned with the central region in the stressed state.15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the distal tines aresubstantially straightened such that the distal tines are axiallyaligned with the central region in the stressed state.
 16. (canceled)17. An apparatus for closing a tubular structure within a patient'sbody, comprising: a tubular member comprising a proximal end including ahub, a distal end including a sharpened distal tip such that the tubularmember may be directed into-and-through a tubular structure within apatient's body, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends,and defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends; aclip comprising a proximal set of tines or extensions and a distal setof tines or extensions, the clip compressible between a relaxed state inwhich the tines or extensions are shaped to engage and close a tubularstructure within a patient's body, and a stressed state in which thetines or extensions are compressed to allow the clip to be loaded intothe lumen in a predetermined orientation about the longitudinal axis;and a pusher member comprising a proximal end and a distal end sized foradvancement within the lumen for deploying the clip from the distal tipof the tubular member such that the distal tines or extensions aredeployed initially to partially engage a tubular structure and theproximal tines or extensions are deployed subsequently to further engagethe tubular structure, the clip resiliently returning towards therelaxed state to substantially close the tubular structure through whichthe tubular member is directed.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein:the pusher member is movable relative to the tubular member from a firstposition to a second position wherein the distal set of tines aredeployed from the lumen beyond the distal tip, the distal tinesresiliently returning towards the relaxed state to at least partiallyengage a tubular structure through which the distal end of the tubularmember is introduced, and wherein the tubular member is movable axiallyrelative to the pusher member from the second position to a thirdposition to deploy the entire clip from the lumen beyond the distal tip,the proximal tines resiliently returning towards the relaxed state tofurther engage the tubular structure to close the tubular structure. 19.The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a stop coupled between thepusher member and the hub to limit movement of the pusher memberrelative to the tubular member between the first and second positions.20-30. (canceled)
 31. An apparatus for closing a tubular structurewithin a patient's body, comprising: a tubular member comprising aproximal end including a hub, a distal end including a sharpened distaltip, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, anddefining a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends; aclip comprising a distal set of tines extending from a first end of acentral region of the clip and a proximal set of tines extending from asecond end of the central region, the clip compressible from a relaxedstate to stressed state for loading into the lumen of the tubularmember, the distal clips defining a hook shape in the relaxed state andthe proximal tines defining a curvilinear shape that at least partiallysurrounds the central region, the distal and proximal tines compressedinto a substantially linear configuration in the stressed state forloading into the lumen of the tubular member; and a pusher membercomprising a proximal end and a distal end within the lumen fordeploying the clip from the distal tip of the tubular member. 32-37.(canceled)
 38. A method for closing a tubular structure within apatient's body, comprising: inserting a distal tip of a delivery deviceinto the patient's body into-and-through the tubular structure, thedelivery device carrying a clip including a set of distal tines and aset of proximal tines in a stressed state; partially deploying the clipsuch that a set of distal tines of the clip extend from the distal tipbeyond the tubular structure and elastically deform towards a relaxedstate; partially withdrawing the delivery device to engage the tubularstructure with the distal tines; and fully deploying the clip such thata set of proximal tines are released from the distal tip and elasticallydeform towards a relaxed state, thereby occluding the tubular structure.39-47. (canceled)